Rainfall could exceed 150mm along the western coast, and up to 100mm of rain for inland areas.

Parts of East Vancouver Island are expected to get more than 50 mm of rain by Thursday afternoon, with the area between Qualicum Beach and Fanny Bay likely to receive closer to 100mm of rain.

Strong winds are also forecasted from Nanoose Bay up to Campbell River, with southeast winds up to 70 km/h over exposed coastal sections.

The federal weather agency warns of heavy downpours that can cause flash floods and lead to water pooling on roads making driving dangerous. There is also the possibility of localized flooding in low-lying areas.